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Jon Flanagan admits he feels pressure to adapt his game and offer a more attacking threat when filling the boots of James Tavernier.

The former Liverpool man came in for only his third start of the season in place of the crocked Rangers skipper for Wednesday’s 1-0 win over St Mirren.

Steven Gerrard opted for Flanagan over youngster Nathan Patterson who impressed on his competitive debut in the Scottish Cup win over Stranraer.

Patterson models his game on Trent Alexander-Arnold and likes to get forward in a similar way to Tavernier who has contributed with goals and assists during his time at Ibrox.

In contrast Flanagan likes a tackle and is a throwback to the old-style defensive full back but Gerrard urged him to get forward against the Buddies.

Some fans had hoped to see the Gers boss stick with Patterson with St Mirren boss Jim Goodwin joking before the game he planned to park “two buses” at Ibrox.

But Gerrard went with Flanagan, possible with Sunday’s trip to Tynecastle in mind, and the 27-year-old had a rare chance to play on his favoured right side after deputising on the other flank so often in his time at Ibrox.

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The full-back position has evolved with former Arsenal scout and Tottenham and Liverpool director of football Damien Comolli once claiming the role used to be 60 or 70 per cent about defending and 40 or 30 per cent attacking but the figures had been reversed in the modern-day game.

Asked if he feels pressure to match Tavernier, Flanagan said: “I think so. I’m a little bit different to James. He is more attacking where I’m probably a bit more defensive.

“We knew St Mirren were going to set up in low block so the manager told me to get forward and try to get as many crosses as possible in and be a bit more attacking.

“I’m more comfortable on the right. I’ll play wherever the manager tells me to play but I’m right-footed and more natural down that side.

“It can frustrating playing against a low block like St Mirren were set up, with 10 men behind the ball and looking for a counter.

“It wasn’t pretty but it was a case of job done. The fans are right to have their moans and groans but we just have to park that to one side and get the job done.

“We’re probably going to be faced with a lot of that in the next few months, so we have to think of solutions to break it down.

“The manager and staff will be working on giving us the tactics to do that. We all know our job and what to do. We want to get three points every time we go out on the pitch.

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“It felt good to be back in the team and starting a game. It’s not been difficult to keep myself motivated. You always have to be ready. Things can happen and you see the freak accident with James.

“We have a big squad and everyone is waiting in the wings just in case.”

Gerrard’s men had veteran poacher Jermain Defoe to thank for scoring the only goal and Flanagan added: “Everyone knows what Jermain is about and the amount of goals he has scored from those types of positions, in and around the box.

“He has been great for us this season and hopefully he continues scoring.”

Flanagan admitted he is desperate to have a big second half of the season as he looks to win a new Ibrox deal with six months left on his two-year deal.

He said: “I would love to be here beyond the summer. It’s a great club with great fans. Everything about it great so I would love to be here.

“The manager just tells me to go and do what I do every time I play, so I’m giving 100 per cent whenever I get on the pitch.”